Mapleton students attend FFA conference

Sharon Stitzlein Published: August 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Laura Crumrine, Jonni Rohr and Brent Daugherty of the Mapleton FFA chapter attended the 2006 Washington Leadership Conference July 25-29 in the nations capital. The conference is an activity of the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education.The weeklong program helps FFA members improve leadership skills and prepare for leadership roles in local chapters, communities and future careers. There were workshop sessions on persuasive communication, character leadership and building relationships. There was participation in discussions on citizenship and in service learning events.Tomorrows Leaders must develop skills in these areas to effectively compete, said Larry Case, National FFA adviser and coordinator, Agricultural and Rural Education with the U.S. Department of Education. Every student leaves WLC with an advantage because it gives those young people cutting-edge leadership skills and valuable insight for productive citizenship.Students increase understanding of the nations heritage with visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt memorials, local congressman/senator office and other historic sights in Washington, D.C.Some students received national alumni scholarships, sponsored by Chevy trucks, which enabled them to attend the conference.FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.